Africa Photo Safari July 2019
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AFRICA PHOTO SAFARI JULY 2019 BOTSWANA & SOUTH AFRICA - 11 DAYS / 10 NIGHTS JULY 22 - AUGUST 01, 2019 VICTORIA FALLS EXTENSION TOUR - 4 DAYS / 3 NIGHTS AUGUST 01 - 04, 2019 Join Peter Boonisar, Denis Glennon AO and Shem Compion (two experienced Africa guides and photographers), on an eleven-day African Photo Safari, visiting Ngala Safari Lodge in the Timbavati Game Reserve, on the boundary of world-renowned Kruger National Park, South Africa, and Mashatu Main Camp in the Northern Tuli Game Reserve, in Botswana. As there are no fences between Kruger National Park and its neighboring private reserves you should encounter more species of wildlife than in any other African game sanctuary, including water buffalo, elephants, zebra, kudu, giraffe, impala, white rhino, black rhino, hippo, lion, leopard, cheetah, African wild dog, and hyena. Tucked in the remote south-eastern corner of Botswana the Northern Tuli Game Reserve is home to large herds of elephant, as well as lion, cheetah, eland, impala, wildebeest, giraffe and zebra. This reserve is one of the best kept secrets for game viewing in Africa. Two underground hides at Mashatu offers spectacular photographic opportunities. Ngala Safari Lodge and Mashatu Main Camp are classic safari lodges with air-conditioned accom- modations. Extended stays at these lodges enhance the chances of observing and photographing a wide variety of Africa’s magnificent wildlife. 2019 ITINERARY: SOUTH AFRICA & BOTSWANA DATE DESTINATION ACCOMMODATIONS 22 JULY Pretoria, S. Africa Villa Sterne Hotel 23 JULY Private Game Reserve, S. Africa Ngala Safari Lodge 24 JULY Private Game Reserve, S. Africa Ngala Safari Lodge 25 JULY Private Game Reserve, S. Africa Ngala Safari Lodge 26 JULY Private Game Reserve, S. Africa Ngala Safari Lodge 27 JULY Private Game Reserve, S. Africa Ngala Safari Lodge 28 JULY Mashatu Game Reserve, Botswana Mashatu Main Camp 29 JULY Mashatu Game Reserve, Botswana Mashatu Main Camp 30 JULY Mashatu Game Reserve, Botswana Mashatu Main Camp 31 JULY Mashatu Game Reserve, Botswana Mashatu Main Camp 01 AUG Departure or Victoria Falls EXTENSION TOUR: VICTORIA FALLS DATE DESTINATION ACCOMMODATIONS 01 AUGUST Johannesburg Airport Peermont Hotel 02 AUGUST Victoria Falls Sussi & Chuma Lodge 03 AUGUST Victoria Falls Sussi & Chuma Lodge 04 AUGUST Departure PHOTOGRAPHIC IMAGES: ICONIC IMAGES INTERNATIONAL BOTSWANA & SOUTH AFRICA ITINERARY INCLUDED IN THE 11 DAY/10 NIGHT PHOTO SAFARI TOUR: 10 nights accommodations on a shared basis (Boutique Hotel 1 night in Johannesburg and Deluxe African Safari Lodges 9 nights) All meals at safari lodges Scheduled flight from Johannesburg to Hoedspruit Airstrip Eleven land transfers including: Airport transfers Ngala Safari Lodge to Mashatu Main Camp Mashatu Main Camp to Johannesburg Airport Two experienced tour leaders knowledgeable in the needs of photographers Denis Glennon, AO of Iconic Images International Shem Compion Two underground hide photographic sessions for each participant at Mashatu Game Reserve Star photography session with photo guides at Mashatu Game Reserve (weather permitting) AM and PM game drives/photo shoots in open 4-wheel drive safari vehicles conducted by experienced rangers and trackers All conservation and game reserve fees COST PER PERSON BASED ON DOUBLE OCCUPANCY: $ 11,495.00 Requires minimum 10, maximum 14 participants SINGLE SUPPLEMENT: $ 3,995.00 (note payment conditions) NOT INCLUDED: International flights and airport taxes Travel visas and vaccinations if required Mandatory travel insurance covering medical/emergency evacuation Gratuities to local guides SPACE IS LIMITED TO A MAXIMUM OF 14 PARTICIPANTS TO RESERVE: A non refundable DEPOSIT of $3,595.00 per person is required by July 25, 2018 Contact Laura Fraser, Cabo Blanco Enterprises at 805 773-9700 or email [email protected] SAMPLE OF DAILY ACTIVITES 5:30am Early morning call 6:00am Coffee/tea muffin 6:30am (or earlier) Vehicles depart for morning game drive and sunrise photography 10:00am Return to camp for breakfast 12:30pm Lunch 3:30pm High tea/coffee and accompaniments 4:00pm Vehicles depart for afternoon game drive and sunset photography 6:15pm Sundowner drinks on hilltop locations 7:30pm Dinner VICTORIA FALLS EXTENSION TOUR INCLUDED IN THE 4 DAY/3 NIGHT VICTORIA FALLS EXTENSION TOUR: 3 nights accommodations– 1 night in Johannesburg and 2 nights in Livingstone, Sanctuary Sussi & Chuma Lodge Round trip flight from Johannesburg to Livingstone All meals in Livingstone Photographic tour of Victoria Falls on the Zambian side Sundowner boat trip on the Zambian River Optional visits and photo shoots at local school and village and walking safari (no additional costs) COST PER PERSON BASED ON DOUBLE OCCUPANCY: $ 3,895.00 SINGLE SUPPLEMENT: $ 995.00 (note payment conditions) NOT INCLUDED: Travel visas and vaccinations Heritage fee for tour of the Falls (not available for purchase in advance - $20) Articles of a personal nature Optional activities (other than above) Gratuities PRE-TOUR OPTIONAL EXTRA NIGHT ON ARRIVAL IN JOHANNESBURG - 1 night Villa Sterne Boutique Hotel COST PER PERSON BASED ON DOUBLE OCCUPANCY: $85.00 (standard room based on availability) SINGLE SUPPLEMENT: $50.00 - 1 night Villa Sterne Boutique Hotel COST PER PERSON BASED ON DOUBLE OCCUPANCY: $115.00 (executive suite based on availability) SINGLE SUPPLEMENT: $75.00 FOR RESERVATIONS OR INQUIRIES CONTACT LAURA FRASER, CTC: CABO BLANCO ENTERPRISES 257 Boeker Avenue, Shell Beach, CA 93449 1 805 773-9700 [email protected] www.caboblancoent.com SAFARI ACCOMMODATIONS NGALA SAFARI LODGE Ngala Safari Lodge is in the Timbavati Nature Reserve, one of South Africa’s undiscovered wilderness jewels; home to Africa’s “big five” (lion, leopard, elephant, water buffalo and rhino), in an area renowned for its wildlife biodiversity. The reserve was established in 1956 and today it forms part of the Kruger National Park, one of the richest and most strategically important wildlife areas in Africa and one of the largest game reserves in the world. As there are no fences between the Timbavati and Kruger National Park, wildlife roams freely between the two, promising an incredible African wildlife viewing and photographic experience. Ngala was not only one of the first lodges/camps in the Timbavati Private Nature Reserve to offer a night walking safari experience, it is one of the oldest safari operations in the Timbavati. Steeped in history, its roots go back many generations link- ing conservation and the Shangaan culture, and the owner’s joy is sharing it with visitors. Ngala Safari Lodge still allows visitors to enjoy the African bush as it was and should be. The Timbavati (along with its surrounding Klaserie and Umbabat reserves), is one of the only places on earth where, if the Gods smile on you, you may see naturally occur- ring white lion. We will stay 5 nights in the marvelous setting and don’t be surprised if you are woken by strange sounds during the night! What is a white lion? A white lion is a normal healthy lion which displays the effects of a recessive gene known as the chinchilla or color inhibitor. The condition displayed is known as “leucism” and is distinct from albinism. The are not albinos and have normal eyes. In fact, white lions are born of tawny parents -”normal” lions—who carry the recessive white lion gene. As is evi- dent from the current existence of three while lions in the Timbavati Private Nature Reserve, white lions do indeed occur natur- ally without the intervention of humans through breeding programs. Although visitors to Timbavati are occasionally fortunate enough to witness white lion sightings, these are rare, and we cannot guarantee that you will see white lions during this photo safari. Each sighting is a breathtaking experience, and we are truly for- tunate if we do witness and photography these extraordinary creatures in their natural habitat. MASHATU MAIN CAMP Mashatu Main Camp is an oasis amongst the undulating and seemingly ceaseless plains of the wild. Burning torches at the camp’s entrance welcome you home at the end of your game drive, where you experience the quintessence of sublime hospitality. If you are accustomed to luxury, this camp will meet every expectation. Fourteen luxury suites lie along the camp’s perimeter and are designed to allow absolute privacy and an uncommon communion with the African bush and its inhabitants. Watch elephants splashing at the waterhole, listen to the lyrical melody of the woodlands kingfisher on a branch overhead, smell the grassy scent of the bushveld, touch the bark of an ancient tree and inhale a breath of air so pure, it’s intoxicating. Each of the air-conditioned suites at Mashatu Main Camp is tastefully decorated and includes impressive black and white prints of Africa’s most beautiful animals. A double bed and an extra-large single bed, together with a seating area that includes a single day bed, will comfortably accommodate you and your spouse, partner and companion. The ample en-suite bathroom with both bath and shower facilities and a separate W.C. will be a complete surprise – an unexpected level of amenity in the bush. This is the ideal camp for the all who enjoy first class photography and a “softer landing” in the evenings. A large swimming pool is a focal point where you cool down and relax between photography and game activities. The Discovery Room is a special portal through which you get a glimpse of another world – one that existed long before the appearance of man. The animal specimens and relics will fascinate and educate you, as will the resident crocodiles – both great and small. Meals are a celebration of traditional African cuisine – flavoursome but missing in pretension. Fresh fruits, vegetables, home-made breads and pies, tender meat dishes and delicious desserts will appeal if you appreciate home cooking at its best. Mashatu is almost one with the environment – just blink and you might miss it! You may also photograph or just watch from the camp hide, also overlooking the waterhole.